Ask the Doctor

Question #3:

Can weight lifting help overweight kids?

Answer:

Lisa Stephens, MD, of CHKD’s Tidewater Children’s Associates says, “When a child is overweight, any regular exercise is a good thing – including strength training exercises, as long as they are age-appropriate and supervised. Strength training helps control weight by increasing lean body mass, which revs the metabolism. You don’t even have to use barbells. Any exercise that requires a child to work against resistance qualifies; squats, push-ups and sit-ups are great examples. Begin with a warm-up. Get the heart going with an aerobic exercise for several minutes and then do some stretching to be sure the muscles are ready for the workout. Limit workout sessions to a half hour at a time, and always allow a day of rest between sessions. Remember, both diet and regular exercise are needed to control excessive weight.”


All Questions

  1. My newborn seems to need something to suck on when she’s not eating. Her mouth is in constant motion. Is it OK to give her a pacifier?
  2. What’s an appropriate amount of television for a toddler to watch each day? I’m worried that my grandson is watching too much TV.
  3. Can weight lifting help overweight kids?
  4. My 8-year-old still sucks his thumb. I hate to pressure him to stop and don’t want to shame him, so what should I do?
  5. My teenage son received a paintball gun for his birthday, and I’m reluctant to let him play with it. Are paintball guns safe?
  6. I’m wondering when my child will be old enough to move from the crib to a single bed. Any guidelines I should know?
  7. Help! My teen keeps talking about getting her tongue pierced. What can I tell her to discourage her?
  8. My grandson was born with jaundice. Can you tell me what causes it and whether it’s serious?
  9. My 2-year-old can’t seem to get into a schedule of meals. She’s hardly ever hungry when it’s time for a meal, but other times she wants to eat all day long. I worry that her eating is too erratic and not healthy.
  10. Is it normal for my baby to hiccup a lot?
  11. What should I know about impetigo if my neighbor’s child has it and frequently plays with my child?
  12. My mother says that my 10-month-old daughter should wear hard-soled shoes to learn to walk. When should I start buying shoes for my baby, and what types are best?
  13. My child complains about sores in her mouth and our doctor says she has canker sores. What causes them?
  14. My teenage daughter thinks she’s fat, but she’s normal height and weight for her age. Should I be concerned she has an eating disorder?
  15. My teenage daughter has been told that cramps and nausea she gets after drinking milk or eating cheese or ice cream are due to lactose intolerance. Can you develop such a problem as you get older?
  16. When should my baby start seeing a dentist?